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It's one of the biggest nights in music: MTV's Video Music Awards. On Sept. 12, some of the most iconic stars in the industry hit up the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. for the annual celebration of amaze music videos. Hosted by Nicki Minaj, this year's lineup absolutely an evening to remember—and we're recapping all our top moments right here.

Taylor Swift being...Taylor Swift

@mtv

The best surprise of the night? When T-Swift showed up out of the blue. And her unexpected appearance did *not* disappoint. From fangirling over the NSYNC reunion (same, honestly) to struggling to get her drink out of a cup holder (relatable), this year's show was chock full of the classic Taylor award show moments we know and love (exuberant dancing included).

Did we mention that she won four awards during the show, including Video of the Year? Consider us proud.

@izbis she is so relatable 😭😂 #taylorswift #vmas #taylorswiftvmas #swiftietiktok #heartattack ♬ Heart Attack Demi Lovato - Izzy Bisges

Olivia Rodrigo's performance

@mtv

Olivia's live vocals = always a good idea, right? Our pop-punk queen made a nod to the "Vampire" music video during her number (can we have a moment for the acting skills?)—and we were kinda obsessed with the audience's reaction. Looks like Sel and Chase Stokes need to study up on those GUTS references ASAP...

@entertainmenttonight Olivia Rodrigo spilled her guts on the VMAs stage and a few celebs reacted to some stunts during her performance. 👀 #oliviarodrigo #vmas #vmas2023 #fypシ ♬ original sound - Entertainment Tonight

Ice Spice snagging Best New Artist

@vmas

This curly cutie has been stealing our hearts (and our Spotify accounts) since her epic "Karma" collab with Taylor Swift. (Facts.) So the fact that she took home this moon man? Pretty cool.

@littlemarshmelly Congrats @ice spice!!!🧡🧡🧡 #icespice #bestnewartist #vma2023 #vmas #icespicefan #icespicemunch #fyp #foryoupage #foryou ♬ original sound - speedy songs ⚡️🎶

Shakira winning the Video Vanguard Award

@vmas

Presented to artists as recognition of their overall contributions to the music industry, the MTV Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award is easily the most prestigious honor of the night. After performing a mashup of her greatest hits (and taking the VMA stage for the first time in 14 years), Shakira was recognized as the first South American and second Latina to win the award.

@mtv WHAT AN ICON! Honored to have witnessed @Shakira’s historic #VMAs moment tonight as our 2023 Vanguard receipient, presented by @Toyota ♬ original sound - MTV

Sabrina Carpenter's performance

 

 

 

 

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In case you're living under a rock, Sabrina Carpenter is opening for Taylor Swift during the South American leg of the Eras Tour. Meaning that you should def have this girlie on your radar if you don't already. Sabrina took the pre-show stage for a dance-worthy performance "Nonsense"—complete with a sparkly frock (a Silver Swarovski Crystal Fringe Dress from designer Cavanagh Baker, in case you were wondering) and groovy boots.

Honorable mention? Sabrina reaching over to fix Taylor Swift's makeup mid-convo. Get you a bestie who can do both.

@taybrinaus sabrina carpenter OWNED the #VMAS #sabrinacarpenter #itgirl #nonsense #nonsenseoutro #vma #sabrina #featherspedup @Sabrina Carpenter ♬ original sound - tia

Follow us on TikTok for more memorable VMA moments @girlslifemag!

Top image: @mtv
Slider image: @vmas

by Kathleen O'Neill | 9/13/2023